When Charles Dickens self-published A Christmas Carol in 1843, it slowly intensified the previously dwindling ardor toward Christmas. Dickens offered a reminder—or maybe for some, an introduction—into a deeper meaning behind celebrating Christmas. Something that emphasized a charitable notion toward others. After all, so many studies now prove happiness comes from helping others. Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew said it best, “But I am sure I have always thought of Christmastime, when it has come ’round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”
Here’s a guide to help out this holiday season!
Child Safe
Child Safe is in need of volunteers for their annual Santa’s Shop, they need help gift wrapping. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Cortney John, Chief Development Officer 726-200-9225 / [email protected]
The Children’s Shelter
On The Children’s Shelter website is a list of continuously needed items like toothbrushes, diapers, wipes, deodorant, etc. that you can donate at any time.
Chrysalis Ministries
Continuously collecting hygiene items, interview clothing, books, toys, and supplies. www.chrysmin.org/get-involved
Elf Louise Christmas Project
There’s so many volunteer opportunities at Elf Louise, and it’s super easy to sign up. Head to this website and scroll through all the areas where help is needed, including gift wrapping, toy stockers, and warehouse help. Then, simply sign up!
Family Service of SA Adopt a Family
Adopt a family here, or contact (210) 299-2400 to assist with unloading/loading donations, gift wrapping, photography, and more. family-service.org/how-to-help/volunteer
Haven For Hope
Meals on the Haven for Hope campus are provided by St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. Vinny’s Bistro) and the San Antonio Food Bank. If you want to volunteer to serve a meal to the homeless, contact either St. Vinny’s Bistro or The San Antonio Food Bank. Check out their website for additional individual and group volunteer opportunities: www.havenforhope.org/give/volunteer
Hill Country Daily Bread
Currently collecting food items for their Christmas distribution, as well as “Birthday in a Bag” items.
Martinez Street Women’s Center
Contribute to the End-of-Year Gift for Martinez Street Women’s Center, a center that provides health services, youth development programs, and advocacy opportunities for women and girls of color. Click here to look through all the ways you can give and donate.
Meals on Wheels
Deliver holiday meals with Meals on Wheels. For more information, visit their volunteer page.
Roy Maas Youth Alternatives
Roy Maas Youth Alternatives is a sanctuary for kids undergoing neglect and abuse. To help out this season you can shop at the RMYA thrift shop, volunteer your time there, or donate items to the shop. The shop is located at 3103 West Ave. at the corner of West Ave. and Basse Rd. Click here for more details on how to sign up for a volunteer position.
Salvation Army Adopt a Local Angel
Visit Salvation Army page to Adopt a Local Angel virtually or fill our their volunteer form to see how you can help!
SAMM Ministries
Sign up to give goods here. You can also check out the slew of volunteer opportunities here.
Morgan’s Wonderland
A variety opportunities available here!
Senior Living Volunteer Opportunities
Another great volunteer idea is to reach out to any senior living facility. Some good facilities to volunteer with include Independence Village Stone Oak, Silver Tree, and Esplanade Gardens. Simply contact any senior living facility near you and ask how you can help this holiday season. Many times the residents simply enjoy your taking the time to read to them.
USPS Letters to Santa
You can adopt a child’s letter to Santa and fulfill their Christmas wish! Simply click this link to read through all the letters sent to “Santa” this year; then pick one and make a child’s Christmas dreams come true. For questions regarding Adopt a Letter, click here.
I hope to continue updating this page as new volunteer opportunities arise. Please let me know of any I didn’t include so I can add them to the page!
Originally written by Aubrey in 2019, updated in 2024 by Anastasia
